Homeland Security grants to NEOhio for border protection

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Counties along Ohio's northern border -- including Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, and Ottawa counties - will receive new federal resources from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to protect the northern border of Ohio, U.S. Sen. Sherrod (D-OH) announced today.

The award to Ohio totals $657,593.

A county-by-county breakdown:

Ashtabula $95,088

Cuyahoga $94,000

Erie $90,254

Lake $100,000

Lorain $100,000

Lucas $85,212

Ottawa $93,039

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Operation Stonegarden program is aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination among local, Tribal, territorial, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States' borders.

"Protecting both our northern and southern borders is key to ensuring our national security and keeping Ohioans safe," Brown said. "These funds will help strengthen national preparedness and antiterrorism efforts in Ohio's northern counties."

Operation Stonegarden is part of the Homeland Security Grant Program at FEMA. The HSGP provides a primary funding mechanism for building and sustaining national preparedness capabilities.